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If you are looking for a dish that combines tender, flavorful beef with vibrant, crisp peppers, look no further than this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of savory and slightly sweet notes, brought to life with a simple sauce and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without fuss, this recipe delivers juicy, perfectly cooked steak slices mingling with colorful peppers in a tantalizing sauce that you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavors, textures, and that irresistible aroma we all crave from a great pepper steak. From the tender flank steak to the punchy garlic and ginger, every component brings something special to the table.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): The perfect neutral oil for searing and sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Green bell pepper (1 medium, thinly sliced): Brings a slightly bitter crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Flank steak (1 1/4 pounds, thinly sliced): This cut’s lean, flavorful nature makes it ideal for quick stir-fry cooking.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Packs a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Minced ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and subtle zest to the sauce and steak.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings deep umami and saltiness to the dish’s signature sauce.
- Chicken broth or water (1/4 cup): Helps create a luscious sauce and keeps the steak juicy.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness that balances savory flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The magic thickener that transforms the sauce into a glossy coating.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon or more to taste): The star spice that gives this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe its signature kick.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sauce Mix
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will become the savory-sweet glaze that brings everything together, so making sure it’s well combined before cooking is key.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the thin slices of red and green bell peppers and cook them just until they’re softened but still retain a little crunch — about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep their bright color and freshness intact.
Step 3: Brown the Flank Steak
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, increasing the heat slightly if needed. Lay in your thinly sliced flank steak and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the outside is beautifully browned but the inside still has a lovely pink hue. This quick searing locks in the juices and develops a fantastic flavor base.
Step 4: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger to the steak in the pan. Let them cook for just 30 seconds or until their aromatic oils bloom and fill your kitchen with that mouthwatering scent that signals something delicious is underway.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the sautéed bell peppers to the pan, then give your prepared sauce mixture a quick stir before pouring it in. Cook everything together while stirring, watching as the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings to the steak and vegetables perfectly. Once thickened, transfer your pepper steak to a serving dish and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Easy Pepper Steak Recipe from great to unforgettable, sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a pop of fresh color and a little extra texture that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or even a fragrant jasmine rice for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or sautéed greens to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pepper steak wrapped in lettuce cups or atop a bed of crispy noodles. This makes the dish feel more interactive and adds a delightful crunchy contrast to the tender steak and peppers. It’s a fantastic way to impress friends or family with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Pepper Steak Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness and preserve those fantastic flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pepper steak, but for best taste and texture, freeze the steak and peppers separately from the sauce. Store them in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent the steak from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through and ready to enjoy again.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?
Absolutely! Skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye thinly sliced can work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times since different cuts may vary in tenderness and thickness.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Easy Pepper Steak Recipe itself isn’t spicy unless you choose to add extra black pepper or chili flakes. It’s more about savory and slightly sweet flavors, but you can customize the heat to your liking.
Can I substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free option?
Yes, tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives that provide similar umami depth, making this recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
How thin should I slice the steak?
Try to slice the steak as thin as possible against the grain. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, ensuring you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on beef, you can swap the steak for firm tofu or a variety of mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a restaurant-worthy meal without any complex steps or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want a dish that’s sure to please, it delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures every single time. Give it a try, and I promise this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Pepper Steak recipe combines tender flank steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and quick stir-fry dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
Meat
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth (or water), brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Remove the peppers from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Brown the Steak: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the steak to brown on the outside while remaining pink inside to retain juiciness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger with the steak. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked bell peppers to the pan. Stir the prepared sauce mixture once more, then pour it into the pan with the steak and peppers. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the pepper steak to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain ensures tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water if preferred.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to suit your taste for spiciness.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
